NEW UNIFORM — Edison High School is the latest site to consider adding a unified sports program, drawing interest from traditional students and students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) to participate. The school recently received new jerseys thanks to the Cleveland Browns, launched a track team this spring, and is preparing to expand to include flag football, basketball and soccer in the near future. Wearing jerseys, from left, are Hannah Russell, Olivia Ault, Haley Fish, Alaina Warren, and Becca Evans. – Contributed
RICHMOND — The Edison Regional School District is the latest site to garner interest in its unified sports program, with the introduction of new jerseys from the Cleveland Browns on track.
Jason Ensinger, an intervention specialist at Edison High School, is coordinating the effort with district special education director Jamie Angelini and EHS Leadership Council advisors Greg Marsh and Dana Beaver. , is hoping to start and run a track and field team this spring.
“(Superintendent Bill Beatty) contacted staff in mid-January and advised them that Jefferson County was looking to have more teams participate in unified sports.” Ensinger said. “He wanted to know if anyone in the district was interested in hosting it.”
Shortly thereafter, officials spoke with Steve Forte, director of activities for Special Olympics of Jefferson County and the County Developmental Disabilities Commission, and director of youth development for Unified Champion Schools, part of Special Olympics Ohio. I got in touch with the director, Christy Peters. Ensinger said the program is still in its early stages at Edison, but students and adults have expressed interest in devoting their time to the effort.Approximately 10 students, including special education students and members of the EHS Leadership Council “Sports friends” will be attending the Student Leadership Summit on March 13th at the JCBDD Jeffco Center in Steubenville to gain further insight.
“All of this is built on inclusion and building community within the school. We have a lot of pieces to bring together and people who are willing to come on board.” he continued. “I think the Leadership Summit will help us understand what we need to do. It goes beyond just the athletic aspect, there is also an element of having a school-wide event. ”
Indian Creek High School and Steubenville High School already have programs in place, and a Zoom meeting has been set up with Forte to discuss what is involved in organizing the program. Edison hopes to form a track and field team in May and expand to include flag football, basketball and soccer next year. The jerseys provided by the Browns will be worn by players from those teams.
“I think [the jerseys] A commitment to unified sports is in full swing in Jefferson County. ” Ensinger said. “If we connect the dots, we’re hopeful that we can have the kind of success that other schools have had.”
Mr. Angelini commented that Unified Sports is a welcome addition to the district.
“Due to the nature of my role as director of special education, I became involved in unified sports. I have always been a volunteer with the Special Olympics and am also a former recreation therapist, so I am passionate about this opportunity for our students and school district.” I was excited to hear that. For me, doing this program at Edison means two things: awareness and inclusion. Awareness promotes education and understanding. It creates empathy, and it creates empathy for others. It encourages people to think about how they live their lives and the barriers they may experience. In unified sports, players with and without intellectual disabilities can join teams, spend time with each other, and It provides an opportunity to share common interests. This interaction fosters the development of friendships and social inclusion.” she added. “We are just starting this program, and I think this program is still unknown to most people. Once the program starts, I think our interest will increase even more and the program will grow by leaps and bounds. .
He said he has an impact on students with disabilities by giving them the opportunity to improve their social skills and build positive relationships with their peers, which in turn promotes a sense of belonging and helps improve overall well-being. Stated.
“We hope this opportunity will be a great success not only here at Edison, but for the students, staff, and community throughout Jefferson County. We look forward to working with teams from other areas.”
Meanwhile, Marsh said members of the Edison Leadership Council are eager to participate in the program.
“When Mr. Beatty expressed his desire to have unified sports teams at Edison, I emailed our group. I told them that the first five students who responded were I said I'd join the team. It was like a quick-fire cannon.” Marsh pointed out. “I received eight emails almost immediately. One of our greatest leaders came running into my classroom and told me that my email wasn't working properly, but she wanted to be part of the team and make sure they got in. To say our students are excited is an understatement.”
He added that students would play the following roles: “Aibo Athlete” Contribute to real players by participating in competitions and helping your team win.
“What I want parents and community members to know is how compassionate our general population is towards students with mental and physical disabilities. I truly believe that it will improve morale and emphasize the importance of inclusion for all students who enroll.”
